This is the first of a number of posts that I am going to write that explain and point out the benefits of a wide range of internet based tools that all trainers must be using. Yes – must be using. Why am I doing this? Basically because I am appalled at the lack of internet knowledge that the majority of trainers have. Many trainers can use an internet browser and email but that is about it. Even when they are using a internet browser they are only using about 50% of its capability. Enough! Each week I am going to provide you with a tool and I want you to download it, try it out and see what you think.
Today I want to talk about Evernote. This is one of the most useful, productive and amazing e-tools you will find on the net. It does take a little while to get used to, reminding yourself to save things to it, but once you get into the habit you will be hooked.
What is it? As the name indicates it takes notes, but it takes notes of everything. You can clip a section of your computer screen, a webpage, add in your own text notes, photo’s etc. So what you say. You tag everything you put into evernote and then you can easily find things. For example when I find interesting topics for this blog on the internet or as I think of them I add them to evernote and tag them and now I have a list of topics for weeks to come.
So why use it? There are a couple of very important points here. How many of you when you think of something say to yourself, I will remember to do that, and promptly forget it. With evernote you can just note it down in your computer and you will never forget. I am sure that someone is saying though but what if I am not near my computer. Evernote allows you to send it to evernote via your phone or via any other computer. I have an old phone, not one of the great smart phones, but even my old phone allows me to send notes as well as photos to my evernote file.
The second point I have alluded to above. When you setup an evernote account you download the software to your computer so that it actuals sits on your computer but at the same time you have an evernote folder on the internet. It doesn’t matter where you make your note it synchronises between the two of them and both contain the same information. That means that if you are in a training room without your computer you can access your evernote account and the notes it contains. Brilliant!
Third important point is that it’s free. For that you can upload 40mb per month. I have never exceeded that but if you are a big note taker then the premium service is only $45 a year. How cheap is that?
What do I use it for? Session ideas, ideas of any description, photo’s I have taken for use in a session, webpage shots for later use or reference, books I want to read, movies I want to see etc etc. The image at the top of this post was cut (using evernotes clipper tool) from their webpage and added to my notes.
So, right now go to the evernote page, sign up, download the software and play with it. If you have any questions there are plenty of help pages on the internet but please let me know and I will try to help you. let me know what you think. Come on, time to upgrade your internet skills and knowledge.
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